Used colour & effect filters

Effect filters are the perfect thing to buy used. The glass doesn't wear and the function doesn't change, so a tidy used filter does exactly the same as a new one — often for a fraction of the price. What matters most is that you have the right filter size (the diameter in mm) or the right bayonet system: Leica, for example, works with E39, E46 and E49, while Hasselblad uses B50, B57 and B60. So always check which size fits your lens.

What to look out for with used colour and effect filters

Hold the glass up to the light and look for scratches, coating wear and any fungus or spots inside the glass. Light signs of use on the rim are cosmetic and not a problem; scratches in the middle of the image are. Older uncoated glass is more prone to flare and reflections, so coated versions (such as B+W MRC) are a safer choice if you shoot into light sources.

Which effect does what

Contrast filters work in black and white: a yellow filter gives subtly more cloud definition, orange strengthens that, and red gives the strongest, dramatic effect with dark skies. Green helps skin tones and foliage. Diffusion and mist filters such as the Tiffen Pro-Mist soften highlights and give a dreamy glow — note: with the Pro-Mist, a stronger value (1/4) actually gives more effect than a lighter one (1/8). An infrared filter such as the Hoya R72 blocks visible light and opens the door to surreal infrared images.

Who it's for

These filters are for black-and-white photographers who want more control over contrast, for portrait photographers and filmmakers looking for a soft look, and for experimenters who want to try infrared. Also take a look at the other sections under Filters, such as polarising filters and ND filters, if you want to do more to control light and reflections. Everything is professionally inspected and supplied with at least 12 months' warranty and a 14-day return period.